WVa School Strike (first since 1990)

[GloryofGreece]

Wonder where this will lead? Interesting times for sure.


https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/26/health/w ... index.html

[Martin Hash]

The Virtual Civil War continues...

Since the OP was from CNN, my least credible news source, here's one from Politifact (also suspect but not totally corrupt):
Strike Unlawful

[PartyOf5]

I've read a couple articles on this from various sources. Not a single one of them mentioned the cost of living for the state, what the average income is for the state, or what the teachers other benefits (health care, pension) are that make up their compensation package. It's all narrative based information like "OMGZ, they make half what teachers in California make!" .

[Speaker to Animals]

49 states left.

[GloryofGreece]

I've read a couple articles on this from various sources. Not a single one of them mentioned the cost of living for the state, what the average income is for the state, or what the teachers other benefits (health care, pension) are that make up their compensation package. It's all narrative based information like "OMGZ, they make half what teachers in California make!" .

Yes, if someone is saying they should make what the average salary and cost of living in is in California then that would be absurd. Making 27K and a essential salary freeze for years is a no bueno all while paying more for healthcare. At least be honest and tell the workers they'll not get a raise in the foreseeable future and infact they will make less because theyll have higher deductibles and less coverage. That would be honest from the State that employees them.

And I find it hilarious when someone labels a strike "illegal". Its kind of the point isn't it. Rile shit up as a group and increase your weight b/c everyone is your group is not showing up to work. This is a philosophical debate. Similar to a strike in 1919 or in the 1980s when Reagan got pushy and shut it down. Either you believe people can go on strike or you don't. The funny thing is what will people do if an entire state just keeps closing schools day after day? Make the kids go and put in tens of thousands of substitute teachers for 80$ a day? OK.

[Okeefenokee]

Vouchers.

[Martin Hash]

Vouchers.

ditto

[PartyOf5]

I've read a couple articles on this from various sources. Not a single one of them mentioned the cost of living for the state, what the average income is for the state, or what the teachers other benefits (health care, pension) are that make up their compensation package. It's all narrative based information like "OMGZ, they make half what teachers in California make!" .

Yes, if someone is saying they should make what the average salary and cost of living in is in California then that would be absurd. Making 27K and a essential salary freeze for years is a no bueno all while paying more for healthcare. At least be honest and tell the workers they'll not get a raise in the foreseeable future and infact they will make less because theyll have higher deductibles and less coverage. That would be honest from the State that employees them.

Where do you get 27K from? The average teacher salary in WV is over 44k. The average salary in WV for all professions is about 40K. Most of those other professions have to work 12 months of the year and don't get a pension.

As for paying more for health care while still having higher deductibles, well that applies to pretty much everyone working, so boo-hoo.

They were offered a 2% raise and chose to strike. 2% isn't great, and the 1% in the 2 years following would not make me happy either. Not happy with you current job, quit and find a better one. This isn't a slave labor camp, it's teaching 9 months of the year for 44k and a pension.

[Fife]

Vouchers.

I fear vouchers would only make the administrators, politicians, and fat-asses even more corrupt. Some pretty deadly purse-strings.

However, it's a no-brainer as a baby step in the right direction.

Close the government schools first if that has to be the first step; then we can look at de-funding the government educational structure completely.

[K@th]

Vouchers +1